Anyone bought a Studio Underdog?

Short term - there's a two year warranty. Studio Underdog seem to be doing OK but they're a new, small, fashion-driven brand so are always at higher risk of going bust than Swatch Group or Seiko. That movement has been churned out in the millions for Chinese watches that sell for under $150. While I've heard of the occasional failure it doesn't have a particularly bad reputation. I own a couple and while they are not as accurate as my chronographs based on the Valjoux 7750, which is pretty much the most basic Swiss chrono movement, they are also a lot cheaper.

In the medium term, assuming that the movement is still in production, it's likely to be cheaper to swap in a brand new one from China than get it serviced in a developed country.

In the long term, once the movement is out of production, parts are unlikely to be a problem as there will be lots of used movements out there to cannibalise. The servicing will be expensive, like any mechanical chrono, and some watchmakers currently refuse to work on Chinese movements.

Agreed. I should have been clearer, as someone who has several 100+ year old watches, by "long term" I mean 50+ years time. Who knows what the market will be like for cheap mechanical chronos then?

How are you finding the balance staff situation? I'm increasingly encountering difficulties with supplies drying up in Europe at any rate

I bought one in may when they did the last order. I got it in Late November I think. The movement is what it is. The watch is fun. It is not something I see myself keeping. I have only worn it a few times. The case and strap are very nice and the idea is cool but I think in my collecting journey I am past this type of watch but at the price point it was worth a shot.

I honenstly prefer the Hemel HF series with the st19 movement, truly nice pieces! and with 100m WR which is really good for these sort of watches

I have bought the Watermel0n, and I have enjoyed it since September. On my profile, you can find a full review. After 5 months, the review and my evaluation haven't changed.🙂

I like em’ but I may be biased 💁🏼‍♂️

You must be slacking off Richard. Have you not got 2,500 hands to attach to some dials? 😜

I have three watches with the ST19 and they're all fine. In the worst case you can just buy a replacement movement, they're going to be still making these for a couple of decades I'd have thought - there's no real competitive alternative and it's used by many brands.

Unless you are buying one pre owned, how are you getting one?

@Jeffonthelake time & tide store in melb stock a bunch of niche brands.

@Studio.Underd0g 🍉🔥

These are sold out. They may do another run late this year, but you’d need to get on pre order to have a chance if the quantity stays the same as the past

That’s that then!!